In January-June 2025, PJSC Insurance Company VUSO (Kyiv) collected UAH 2.129 billion in gross premiums, which is 52.6% more than in the same period of 2024, net premiums grew by 54.18% to UAH 1.886 billion, while net earned premiums increased by 40.98% to UAH 1.764 billion.
These figures are provided in the information from Standard-Rating on the confirmation of the company’s financial stability rating at “uaAA” on the national scale for the specified period.
According to the data on the rating agency’s website, the insurer’s revenues from individuals for the specified period increased by 55.36% to UAH 1.374 billion, and from reinsurers – by 17.67% to UAH 21.652 million. Thus, the share of individuals in the insurer’s gross premiums for the first half of 2025 was 64.54%, and the share of reinsurers was 1.02%.
RA notes that accrued reinsurance premiums transferred to reinsurance for the first half of 2025 increased by 41.37% compared to the same period in 2024, to UAH 243.143 million. The reinsurers’ share in insurance premiums decreased by 0.91 percentage points to 11.42%.
In the first six months of 2025, VUSO Insurance Company paid out UAH 787.863 million to its clients, which is 9.08% higher than the volume of insurance payments and reimbursements for the same period in 2024. The payout ratio decreased by 14.77 percentage points to 37.01%.
Based on the results for January-June 2025, operating profit increased by 34.13% compared to the same period in 2024, to UAH 135.494 million, while net profit grew 2.95 times to UAH 102.332 million.
As of July 1, 2025, the company’s assets grew by 20.21% to UAH 2.305 billion, equity increased by 7.59% to UAH 813.212 million, liabilities increased by 28.43% to UAH 1.491 billion, cash and cash equivalents increased by 24.43% to UAH 944.106 million.
According to RA data, as of the beginning of the third quarter of 2025, the company had a capitalization level of 54.52% and a cash coverage ratio of 63.30%. In addition, as of the reporting date, IC “VUSO” had formed a portfolio of investments in government bonds in the amount of UAH 326.025 million, which together covered 85.16% of the company’s liabilities. In addition, the balance of funds in centralized insurance reserve funds (MTIBU) amounted to UAH 522.123 million, which also had a positive impact on the company’s liquidity.
VUSO Insurance Company was founded in 2001. It has 50 insurance licenses, 34 representative offices, 2 branches, and more than 20 agency sales centers throughout Ukraine, with over 700 professionals. It is a member of the MTIBU, NASU, and the Nuclear Insurance Pool.
China will launch a new K visa category for young professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) who will be able to enter, reside, and work in the country without a mandatory job offer. The program will be effective from October 1, 2025.
The new decision does not require a sponsoring employer — applicants for a K visa are not required to provide an invitation or contract with a Chinese company when applying.
The authorities also promise more flexible conditions of stay — multiple entries, long validity, and a simplified application process.
The innovation is aimed at attracting young foreign talent, especially in the context of the tightening of US visa policy and the proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.
According to media reports, some young STEM professionals are eligible for housing subsidies and signing bonuses of up to 5 million yuan (~$702,000) as part of a comprehensive recruitment policy.
The United States recently raised the fee for an H-1B visa to $100,000, creating additional barriers for foreign professionals. The Chinese government, on the contrary, is trying to enhance its attractiveness amid competition for talent.
A Chinese government document dated August 14, 2025, states that as part of the reform of regulations governing the entry and exit of foreigners, a K visa will be introduced as a new category for young professionals in the fields of science and technology.
Experts note that this initiative is part of China’s strategy to strengthen international competition in the fields of AI, quantum technology, and biotechnology.
The details of the selection criteria (age, minimum education, experience requirements) remain vague.
There is no clarity on issues of family sponsorship, permanent residence, or transition to other visa regimes.
According to the Serbian Economist, the Swiss company SSWISS GROUP AG, owner of the Swiss Solar brand, has announced plans to invest 50 million euros in the construction of solar power plants with a capacity of up to 50 MW in Serbia.
The project is being realized together with local partners and state structures, B92 news agency reported.
Serbia receives more than 2,000 hours of sunshine per year and is seeking to diversify its energy mix. According to the government, the share of solar energy in the electricity production structure is still around 4-5%, but significant growth is planned in the coming years through private and public investments.
Serbia’s solar energy market is actively developing:
– South Korean KHNP signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of renewable sources;
– French EDF is preparing a study on the potential of green generation;
– Chinese and Italian companies are negotiating the construction of solar parks in Vojvodina and Central Serbia.
Experts say that the new projects will reduce the country’s dependence on imported gas and oil and make Serbia one of the regional centers of green energy in the Balkans.
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In an interview with journalist Lex Friedman, Telegram founder Pavel Durov expressed confidence that the price of bitcoin will eventually rise to $1 million per coin.
The entrepreneur previously said that in 2013 he bought 2,000 bitcoins at a price of about $750 each, investing approximately $1.5 million.
In the interview, he described the purchase as a strategic investment, calling Bitcoin “digital gold.”
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ukraine organized a formal reception in Kyiv to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, Ukrainian authorities, business circles, and the Chinese diaspora.
In his welcoming speech, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun emphasized that China has gone from being a post-conflict state to the world’s second largest economy, and today strives for “high-quality development” and global cooperation. “We have built a society of universal prosperity, lifted 800 million people out of poverty, and created the world’s largest education, healthcare, and social security systems,” he said.
The diplomat noted that between 2021 and 2024, China’s GDP grew by an average of 5.5% per year, and China’s economy is expected to exceed US$19.5 trillion in 2025. Ma Shenkun also mentioned successes in the field of high technology: the development of 5G infrastructure, electric vehicles, space and quantum projects.
He stressed that China and Ukraine are strategic partners: “Our cooperation is based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and sustainable development. In 2025, we have already signed two protocols on the export of Ukrainian peas and water resources to China.”
In addition, the ambassador expressed understanding for the challenges Ukraine faces today and assured that China will continue to advocate for a ceasefire and the promotion of a peaceful settlement.
During the reception, toasts were made to strengthen Sino-Ukrainian friendship, and cultural performances and exhibitions reflecting the cultural heritage of both countries were presented.
Ma Shengkun took office as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Ukraine on November 26, 2024.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and China were established on January 4, 1992. The Chinese Embassy in Kyiv began operating in December 1992.
The average monthly salary of full-time employees in August 2025 decreased by 2.2% compared to July 2025 and amounted to UAH 25,911, the State Statistics Service (SSS) reported on Tuesday.
According to Gosstat, total wage arrears in August this year increased by 3.3% compared to the previous month of 2025 and amounted to UAH 3.517 billion as of September 1, 2025.
According to the statistics agency, in August 2025, the average monthly wage increased in the public administration and defense sector by 3.6% to UAH 53,125, in the arts, sports, and entertainment sector by 2% to UAH 18,504, in construction by 1% to UAH 22,997, in agriculture by 0.8% to UAH 25,127, in water transport enterprises by 0.6% to UAH 24,869, and in real estate operations by 0.3% to UAH 23,062.
At the same time, there was a 10% decrease in salaries in education, down to 14,432 UAH, healthcare – by 6.9%, to UAH 18,672, in financial and insurance activities – by 6.7%, to UAH 52,269, in temporary accommodation and catering – by 3.1%, to UAH 19,001, information and telecommunications – by 3%, to UAH 65,213, in transport, postal and courier services – by 2.8%, to UAH 26,038, in administrative services – by 1.3% to UAH 20,080, wholesale and retail trade – by 0.9%, to UAH 31,134, air transport enterprises – by 0.6%, to UAH 57,582, professional, scientific, and technical activities – by 0.5%, to UAH 33,906, in industry – by 0.4% to UAH 28,951, in other services – by 0.4% to UAH 29,002.
